SAT Reading: Command of Evidence – Quantitative

📊 What Are These Questions?

These questions test your ability to interpret how well a graph, table, or chart supports a claim made in the passage. You must determine whether the quantitative information confirms, contradicts, or is unrelated to the text.

🎯 What They Test

Understanding data representations (charts, graphs, tables).
Matching claims in the text with actual data trends or values.
Spotting mismatches between statements and visuals.

🧠 How to Approach

1. Read the Claim Carefully: Focus on what the author says about the data — pay attention to words like “increase,” “decrease,” “more than,” etc.
2. Read the Graph or Table: Analyze the actual numbers, trends, or comparisons presented.
3. Compare Precisely: Does the data fully support the claim? Does it partially support or contradict it?
4. Be Specific: Pick the answer that most accurately reflects the data's relationship to the claim.

📖 Example (Quantitative Passage)

“The study showed that students who slept at least 8 hours per night scored higher on memory tests than those who slept less.”

Table: Average Memory Test Scores

8+ hours: 92
6–7 hours: 85
<6 hours: 78

Q1: Does the data support the author’s claim about sleep and test scores?

A) No, because scores were inconsistent across groups.
B) Yes, students who slept more scored higher.
C) No, students who slept less scored higher.
D) The data is irrelevant to the claim.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Assuming the graph supports the claim without checking details.
Misreading data labels, axes, or categories.
Confusing correlation with causation (remember: SAT tests data relation, not causal proof).

✅ Practice Tips

Practice with science or social studies passages that include data visuals.
Always read graph/table titles and axes carefully.
Try summarizing data in your own words before looking at the answers.